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Lisbon

Practical info Lisbon, Portugal

Getting around the city

Public transport in Lisbon is inexpensive and useful for negotiating the hills between attractions. The fastest way to get around is by metro, which covers most of the city, and complementing this is a network of trams, buses, funiculars and a vertical elevator to connect the high and low areas of Lisbon. There is also a modern electric train that links the city to all the towns along the Portuguese Riviera, and ferries across the Tagus River. Trams and buses are very inexpensive and the old trams have become a big tourist attraction. It is best to avoid public transport during rush hours, as the crowded conditions are the perfect cover for pick pockets. Metered taxis are plentiful and affordable, and a popular means of transportation, but beware of drivers taking long, indirect routes. A car is not recommended for use around the city.

Time

GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Currency

The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Communication

The international access code for Portugal is +351. The country is well covered by local GSM mobile phone networks, with roaming agreements in place with most international operaters. Internet cafes are available in most towns and resorts.

Climate

Lisbon has a warm climate with sunny spring and summer days (June to August), when average temperatures frequently reach 82ºF (28ºC). Winters (December to February) are wet and windy, with average temperatures dropping to 46ºF (8ºC) lows. The best time to visit Lisbon is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October), because the weather is warm, hotels are cheaper, and the crowds are smaller than in the summer peak season.

Lisbon Portela Airport

Getting to the city

The Metro operates from a station under the airport, running to the city between 6.30am and 1am. A one-way fare is €1.40, and a 24-hour pass is €6; both require the purchase of a Metro card for €0.50. Carris coaches run every day between 5.35am and 12.30am, connecting Lisbon Airport to the city centre. Tickets cost €1.80 when purchased on the bus, or you can buy a 24-hour pass for €6. The Aerobus also travels to the city centre every 20 minutes between 7am and 11.20pm; tickets start at €3.50.

Car rental

Airport taxi's

Taxis can be found outside of Terminal 1. Some taxis will charge extra for luggage and all will charge extra at night. Fares are 20 percent higher on weekends, holidays and at night.

Transfer between terminals

There is a free shuttle bus connecting the two terminals.

Facilities

There are a range of passenger services at Lisbon Airport including ATMs, bureaux de change, showers, a post office, left luggage, baby care facilities, meeting rooms and a help desk in both Arrivals and Departures. There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops, including a duty-free. Disabled facilities are good; passengers requiring wheelchairs should contact their airline.

Parking

Short-term parking at Lisbon Portela Airport, in lot P1, starts at €0.85 per 15 minutes. Lot P2 is farther from the terminal building but slightly cheaper, and lot P3 offers long-term parking rates of €14 per day. Note that online discounts are available for pre-booked parking through the airport's website.